June 26, 2008

Okay, so I may have been doing a little shopping yesterday. And when I returned home after five hours of combing the stores, I realized I bought another silk, polka dot dress. (I just bought a similar dress last month and wore it to the Sex and the City debut.)

So this predicament got me thinking about how often we go shopping and come home with things that look like the stuff that's already hanging in our closets. Some people own eight pairs of black pants. Or they buy anything in the color green. But you can stop yourself from purchasing the same clothes or colors over and over. Here's the strategy I should have used yesterday:

Make a plan - I've written about the importance of making a plan before you shop several times in the past. If you spend a little time upfront thinking about the areas where your wardrobe is deficient, you can build a useful closet and eliminate unnecessary redundancy. When you're getting dressed and you realize you're missing a great fitting pair of brown pants, write it down or store the information in your cell phone. Then you'll remember what you need to buy while you're out shopping. Currently, my shopping plan includes gladiator heels, blouses (especially anything with a tie-neck), and pants (which I always need). Notice that polka dot dress is not on my list.

Shop your plan - I know it can be dizzying when you walk into a store and there's Take an Additional 40% off signs blocking your path, but don't get lost in the deals. Look for pants to wear to work if that's what's on your shopping plan. And if you spot a rack of sweaters on super sale but you already have a closet full of sweaters you don't wear, stay away from that rack!

Limit your shopping - Giving yourself a limited time to shop may prevent unnecessary purchases. But if you're the person the salesperson is pushing under the gate at 9 pm, you often end up buying a lot more than you intended. Shop at lunch or in between appointments to keep you focused on the items you really need and not just the ones on sale.

June 25, 2008

Once I get a hankering for something, I'm like a dog with a bone- I can't let go! And that's why I've been glued to my computer for the last few hours searching relentlessly for the perfect pair of gladiator style, high heeled sandals. The odd thing is the fashion industry has been buzzing about this trend for months and I've given it no attention. Then I saw a girl in Birmingham, AL wearing a pair and a light bulb exploded in my head. "What a fresh and chic look", I thought. Now I'm on the hunt.

I discovered this sleek gladiator sandal at Nordstrom for $94.90. I also found an expensive, casual flat at Make Me Chic for $13. The heels would be perfect with dresses and skirts. And I'd pair the flats with shorts for a laid-back barbecue.

If you're looking for a pair of your own, Nordstrom has a great selection from $33 to over $300.

June 23, 2008

I know you can't really see the toes clearly sticking out of these peep-toe shoes but that's because this lady decided that it was a good idea to put on pantyhose too. And apparently she's not the only one. Recently a friend told me that she was seeing a ton of women at work wearing pantyhose with sandals. Why, people, why?

If you're going for that old lady look, then feel free to slap on a pair of Hanes control top, nude hose with your summer footwear. Just know that there is nothing fashionable about this look. Period.

June 20, 2008

I know, there's always a sale going on somewhere in the world, but here are some you may want to check out this weekend. Just remember, use cash and save your plastic for when you really need it- like filling up your gas tank!

Macy's is offering up buy 1 pair, save 50% on the 2nd pair. Sorry guys. This offer is only for the ladies.

But if you fellas are in a shopping mood, visit the men's clearance section at Macy's. I found some great deals like this Calvin Klein Jacket.

And over at Banana Republic, the sale is up to 50% off of select items. The cool thing at this website is that you can shop at The Gap, Old Navy, Piperlime (an online shoe store) AND Banana Republic! That's shopping at four stores and paying one time. I love it!

June 17, 2008

If you're like me, shopping for shorts is a painful experience that can be easily equated to getting your teeth cleaned or doing 10 loads of laundry. But with temperatures already topping 96 degrees, shorts are really a necessary evil for summer. So how do you go about buying them?

Never has fit and body type been more important than when shopping for shorts. Take the picture shown here for instance. If you have hips, a butt, and big thighs, shorts with loose cuffs and cargo pockets on the

side are not your friend. These shorts actually make the, ahem, model look bigger than she really is.

Here are some tips to keep in mind when you're out shopping for shorts:

Mid-length shorts are flattering on most people. Pick a pair that's streamlined in a basic color. Be sure that they hit in the mid-thigh area for maximum flattery. I found several affordable pairs at Target.

If you're bigger on the bottom, stay away from bold prints that will draw more attention to your behind and make it look freakishly larger than it really is.

Try on several pairs and styles before you buy anything. I know many people don't like to try on clothes at the store but shorts can be a tricky purchase and trying them on first can reduce some of the frustration.

June 16, 2008

Let me start by saying that I completely understand that the air conditioning in most venues during the summer time can be a little too chilly for a lot of people. It's the reason I don't leave the house without a sweater, jacket, or hoodie. But the black tights and suede boots appear to be a bit much- when it's 95 degrees outside!

June 11, 2008

I apologize for the lack of posts lately, but on Monday, my great-grandmother passed away after 90 phenomenal years of living.

As you can see from the picture, she was beautiful and definitely stylish. What you can't see is her strength, business savvy, feistiness, and her plain spoken nature. I can honestly say that she is the reason I am comfortable following my own path and creating an unconventional life.

She was the cornerstone of five generations of one small family. And while she may be gone from this earthly world, her presence is permanently woven into each of our souls.

UPDATE: Thanks everyone for your kinds words during this difficult time. I sincerely appreciate all of your prayers.

June 06, 2008

Every time I look at this picture I start laughing. This my friend. Let's call her P. I had been talking to her all day when late in the afternoon, I noticed that she had on super wide leg pants. Then I noticed that they were trying to wipe the carpet clean! Just in case you were wondering, your pants should not be lying on the ground. I practically begged her to let me take this picture and luckily she agreed. I only made one suggestion- heels not flip-flops!

June 05, 2008

I so need this jacket in my life. It's from L.A.M.B. and it's at Nordstrom's for $285. It's the perfect school girl style to wear to work. I'd pair it with white capri pants, like this great pair from New York & Co. for $34.95. (Note: Notice these capri pants are shorter and hit at the knee, which is a more flattering fit for most women.) And once you add these smoking hot croco/suede pumps from Kate Spade, you're making a definitive statement. You can find the pumps in the phenomenal designer selection at the Zappos Couture site.

June 03, 2008

So I've been coveting a pair of gray pumps for about....hmmm....10 years! I've always thought of gray heels as a definitive sign of chicness. I don't know what it is about them. It may be the allure that's generated by unexpected color of gray. The problem is that I've rarely come across a pair that's stylish, sexy, and under $500.

Then I spotted this sleek pair at Belk's (a department found in the South recently bought out Parisian's). They were only $41. The problem is I didn't envision that my perfect pair of gray pumps would be open-toed and slingbacks. I think I prefer a closed-toe high heel pump.

What do you think? Should I wear them or return them?

*UPDATE*I added the pic with me actually wearing the shoes. After seeing them on, does it change your original assessment of Wear or Return?